

Multipolarity
Multipolarity
Charting The Rise Of A Multipolar World Order
Philip Pilkington is an unorthodox macroeconomist.
Andrew Collingwood is an equally skeptical journalist.
Lately, both have realised that - post-Ukraine, post-Afghanistan withdrawal - the old, unipolar, US-led world order is in its death throes.
In its wake, something new is being born. But what shape will that take? That will depend on a combustible combination of economics and geopolitics; trade and military muscle.
Each week, our duo take three off-radar news stories and explain how each is shaping our multipolar reality.
Philip Pilkington is an unorthodox macroeconomist.
Andrew Collingwood is an equally skeptical journalist.
Lately, both have realised that - post-Ukraine, post-Afghanistan withdrawal - the old, unipolar, US-led world order is in its death throes.
In its wake, something new is being born. But what shape will that take? That will depend on a combustible combination of economics and geopolitics; trade and military muscle.
Each week, our duo take three off-radar news stories and explain how each is shaping our multipolar reality.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2025 • 12min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Eight
Join the duo as they unwrap fascinating insights about the geopolitical implications of metal prices. Discover how a US nickel's value could change with rising copper prices. 2025’s market reveals gold records and the strategic importance of rare earths amidst US–China tensions. With copper prices soaring, the impact of electrification and EV growth on demand is explored. Political shifts could dampen green targets, while China's massive copper consumption shapes the landscape. Uncover the geopolitical stakes of potential copper shortages in this engaging discussion!

Dec 17, 2025 • 15min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Seven
The hosts explore the geopolitical significance of the new Chinese YKJ-1000 hypersonic missile, revealing its impressive capabilities at an astonishingly low cost. They discuss innovations like foamed concrete heat shielding that contribute to its affordability. The logistics of deployment are fascinating, with a shipping-container launcher allowing for covert operations. Tactics inspired by Yemen are examined, indicating how these advancements could challenge U.S. naval power. Finally, they eye potential long-term shifts in military strategy due to the proliferation of such missiles.

Dec 16, 2025 • 20min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Six
Join Philip and Andrew as they peel back the layers of Britain's tumultuous year. Dive into discussions about political crises that define an 'annus horribilis' for the UK. They tackle social tensions sparked by migration issues and highlight the strain on public services like the NHS. Economic stagnation and the flight of wealth emerge as pressing concerns. With parallels drawn to the 1970s and reflections on political talent decline, they explore the viability of Reform UK's ambitions amid potential electoral chaos. Will the UK hold together?

Dec 15, 2025 • 13min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Five
The hosts unwrap the intriguing layers of a lobbying dinner invitation tied to American geopolitics. They dive into the clash between free speech claims and EU privacy regulations, unraveling the complexities of the ongoing dispute over X. With Musk's moderation policies under scrutiny, they explore how algorithms suppress critical geopolitical discussions. The conversation extends to implications for transatlantic relations and the market access debate, culminating in a critique of Europe’s lack of an alternative to X. The insights are both timely and thought-provoking!

Dec 14, 2025 • 15min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Four
In a festive format, the hosts delve into Pakistan's critical wheat dependency and how the Indus River supports most of its food production. They explore India's upstream control and the implications of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. The discussion heightens with concerns about changing climate patterns threatening water flows and the potential humanitarian crises that could follow. Intriguingly, they ponder the possibility of wartime water threats and the dire consequences of weaponizing water, blending geopolitics with urgent environmental issues.

Dec 13, 2025 • 12min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Three
In this intriguing discussion, the hosts unwrap the implications of the US's shifting national security strategy, particularly regarding its detachment from Europe. They provocatively argue that migration talk is more about geopolitical maneuvering than genuine concern. America’s perception of Europe as a weak vassal is explored, warning that dependency breeds contempt. The podcast also examines the fallout from the Ukraine conflict and questions the historical pattern of US withdrawal post-defeat. A bleak outlook for Anglophone allies as they become mere objects in US strategy is presented, leaving listeners pondering the future.

Dec 12, 2025 • 17min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Two
Join Philip and Andrew as they dissect the geopolitical landscape through a series of intriguing objects. A fireworks gun symbolizes the fading potency of color revolutions, while they explore recent protests in Georgia and Moldova's economic struggles after pivoting to the EU. The unsettling rise of violent Gen Z uprisings in Nepal and Madagascar is also covered. The duo discusses why historical success factors for revolutions are losing their grip, ultimately reflecting on the diminished enchantment of color revolutions in 2025.

Dec 11, 2025 • 13min
Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day One
In a festive format, hosts Philip and Andrew delve into the intriguing realm of geopolitics. They question the reliability of media reports on cyberattacks, suggesting governments should respond calmly to threats. The discussion highlights the unsettling impacts of the Ukraine war as a stress test for multipolarity. Philip speculates on the chaotic potential of cyberwarfare in a global conflict, while also emphasizing that kinetic attacks would likely overshadow cyber disruptions. The episode critiques alarmist narratives surrounding NATO and nuclear escalation.

Dec 4, 2025 • 12min
Premium Edition Teaser: Why The Special Relationship Is Over
The discussion dives into the fading strength of the UK's relationship with the US, questioning its historical significance. Analysts highlight the difference between strategic interests and personal ties among elites. Tucker Carlson's scathing remarks during his UK visit reflect a growing skepticism from the American right. Historical ties reveal that other nations may have received more favorable treatment from the US than Britain. The podcast explores the implications of this fraying bond for the future of both countries.

63 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Six Ages Of China
In this discussion, Philip Pilkington, an unorthodox macroeconomist and author, uncovers the six distinct economic eras of China, challenging the oversimplified Mao versus reform narrative. He explores the transformative Deng reforms, highlighting significant investments in education and technology. The conversation dives into the mercantilist era's role in boosting exports and the implications of U.S. economic strategies. Lastly, Philip examines China's current push for technological supremacy and how state direction fuels its competitive edge.


